James ‘Arg’ Argent feels "very lucky" that he’s still being approached for major television shows after he completed his stint in rehab in Thailand earlier this year.
The ‘Only Way is Essex’ star spent three months in a facility abroad over the festive season last year in a bid to curb his wild ways and has admitted he’s so grateful to the likes of E4, ITV and Lime Pictures for believing in him and keeping the work open for him.
Speaking on ‘This Morning’ on Thursday (31.08.17), he said: "I am in a good place. I’m very lucky to be sitting here on this sofa and thank you guys for welcoming me and I do appreciate Lime Pictures and E4 and ITV for showing a lot of support and to come back from Thailand and be given a big job – a big show – straight away, they obviously value me and see the trust in me so I’m going to try and reward everyone by delivering and making it [his forthcoming show ‘Celebs Go Dating’] a good show."
The 29-year-old star checked into rehab after his relationship with his on/off girlfriend Lydia Bright broke down and, although they’ve both moved on, they’re still good friends.
He explained: "We’re friends. I saw her at V Festival the other weekend and we spent a bit of time together. We got on really well – it was nice to have a catch up and stuff but we are just friends. As far as I’m concerned, I’m just concentrating on myself and going on dates and meeting new people so no we’re not going to get back together."
While he was away, Arg – who has battled with his weight over the years – managed to slim down and is adamant he’s now changed his mindset when it comes to food.
He said: "People may think that I’m restricting or starving myself but the truth is I’m still eating a lot but I’m just eating the right stuff now."
And, now that he has a positive outlook, he’s keen to find love and is enjoying dating.
He added: "I do like to busk a few lyrics. Sometimes singing cringes people out. I just try and be myself and be charming. Even if the women I’m going on a date with don’t fancy me, I want them to come away and be like: ‘Well he was a nice guy.’ "
James ‘Arg’ Argent feels ‘lucky’ to still be on TV
